A Southside Story

Chapter 1, Part 22: The Funeral

Sabathani was full as expected. Ray-Ray had been trouble, yes. He had scared some kids, made enemies, and walked paths

Ray-Ray’s death didn’t fade quickly. It rippled—through homes, through backyards, through whispers on porches, through the hearts of the kids

The last week of school always felt like a dream—long, warm afternoons, easy assignments, teachers who smiled more than usual,

By late May, Bancroft Elementary felt different. Teachers seemed a little more relaxed—maybe too relaxed. Kids whispered about summer vacation

Sunday mornings had their own rhythm in the neighborhood. Many of the families usually headed to Sabathani Baptist Church, St.

Spring kept rolling in, warmer and brighter each day. The snow melted. The sidewalks dried. Kids went back to riding

Spring arrived early in 1969. One morning, snow still clung to the shady side of houses, but by afternoon, puddles

By February, winter had settled deep into the city. The sidewalks were lined with dirty gray snow, the air was

Winter break had come and gone. By the time January eased into its second week, Bancroft Elementary was buzzing again

January brought a cold that felt colder than usual. Snowbanks lined the streets like frozen walls. The sky stayed gray